MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals ILT20 2026 in Abu Dhabi

MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals in Abu Dhabi is a Sunday afternoon DP World ILT20 Season 5 match at Zayed Cricket Stadium on 13 December 2026, and it replays the final that decided the league’s second season. Gates open at 12pm and the first ball is at 2pm, so this is daytime cricket that leaves your evening free.

MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals: the Season 2 final, revisited

These two franchises met for the ILT20 title in 2024, and it was one-sided: MI Emirates beat Dubai Capitals by 45 runs to win Season 2. The Capitals bounced back the following year, beating Desert Vipers in the Season 3 final to claim their own first trophy. MI Emirates then reached another final in Season 4, losing to Desert Vipers by 46 runs at Dubai International Stadium in January 2026. They also opened Season 5 against the Vipers at the same ground on 21 November, a rematch of that final. With Gulf Giants having won the very first edition in 2023, the league has crowned a different champion in each of its four seasons so far.

That gives both teams a winning pedigree, and the match listing describes it as a high-quality fixture with real history behind it. Each side also has a standout from last season. MI Emirates batter Muhammad Waseem was named Best UAE Player for the fourth season running, and Dubai Capitals’ Afghan spinner Waqar Salamkheil finished as Season 4’s Best Bowler with 18 wickets. Squads change from year to year, so check the team news nearer the day for confirmed players.

Behind the teams are two of the biggest names in Indian franchise cricket. MI Emirates are owned by Reliance Industries, the group behind the IPL’s Mumbai Indians, and Dubai Capitals by the GMR Group, owners of Delhi Capitals.

A return fixture as the league stage closes

The sides meet twice in the league stage. The first game is in Dubai on 2 December, UAE National Day, when Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates is the evening half of a holiday double-header. Eleven days later MI Emirates host the return in Abu Dhabi.

Season 5 of the DP World International League T20 is the league’s first in a November and December window. Six teams play 34 matches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah between 21 November and 20 December 2026, and only the top four reach the playoffs. With the group stage almost done by 13 December, a win here could be decisive. Zayed Cricket Stadium stays busy into the knockouts too: ILT20 Qualifier 1 is played here on 16 December, before the final at Dubai International Stadium on 20 December.

Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi

Zayed Cricket Stadium, also known as Sheikh Zayed Stadium and named after the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is part of the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub in Khalifa City. It opened in May 2004 and staged its first first-class match that November, when Scotland played Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup. Today it holds around 20,000 spectators.

Seating for ILT20 matches is first come, first served, and each enclosure has a different view of the pitch and a different level of shade. With a 2pm start, shade is worth considering when you choose where to sit.

Driving to the stadium

The ticket listing gives a driving route via Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Truck Road (E30), then Al Mudwi Street and Al Mabrouk Street, taking the second exit at two roundabouts, with the stadium on your right. GPS is strongly recommended. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are an alternative. No parking details are listed, so check your booking confirmation.

Entry rules for the afternoon

Children under five can enter without a ticket if they sit on an adult’s lap, one child per lap, and every adult needs a ticket. Children aged five and over need their own ticket, and anyone under 15 must be with an adult at all times. Photo ID may be requested to confirm a child’s age. Tickets are emailed 48 hours before the match, are valid for one entry only and are limited to 10 per person.

Alcohol cannot be brought in, and smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Outside food and drink are restricted unless medically required, and metal cans and glass bottles are only allowed if bought inside. Strollers, umbrellas and camping chairs are not admitted, and there is no bag drop or storage. Professional filming equipment, laser pointers, horns, drones, oversized bags and cool boxes are also restricted, and you may be searched on entry. No dress code is listed.

Find more fixtures on our sports events in the UAE page, discover things to do in Abu Dhabi, or browse things to do in December across the country.